Quite so. NFL is the USA's most unexportable commodity. The only way anyone can find it entertaining is if they've been brainwashed into believing so at a very young age (reminiscent of that supposed Jesuit saying: "If we get them by the age of six, they're ours for life"). Anyone not thus brainwashed (i.e. anyone born outside of the US) will find the game either laughable (with its refrigerator-fetish costumes etc.) or else boring to tears (chiefly due to the lack of fluid play and continual breaks).

By contrast, with rugby —and especially rugby union— no childhood exposure is needed. The sport is so intrinsically thrilling that even middle-aged or elderly people, upon seeing a game for the first time become immediate addicts (with the one sad exception of those whose sense of discrimination has been perverted by childhood exposure to NFL).

"When we transcend one level of truth, the new level becomes what is true for us. The previous one is now false. What one experiences may not be what is experienced by the world in general, but that may well be truer. (Ven. Nanananda)

“I hope, Anuruddha, that you are all living in concord, with mutual appreciation, without disputing, blending like milk and water, viewing each other with kindly eyes.” (MN 31)

The Super Bowl is really fun to watch with a group of people, but on my own out here in Japan i always seem to find out about it after the game is already over. I just found out that it was today when i woke up this morning. Haven't watched a game i think since the 49er's won, in... maybe.... 1990?

"As Buddhists, we should aim to develop relationships that are not predominated by grasping and clinging. Our relationships should be characterised by the brahmaviharas of metta (loving kindness), mudita (sympathetic joy), karuna (compassion), and upekkha (equanimity)."~post by Ben, Jul 02, 2009

I can't appreciate any sport that doesn't involve some variety of tactics... and there's only one sport that really interest me, probably on account of the veritable multitude of tactics and that's cricket.

A game so seemingly boring to the uninstructed observer, yet it appears 2nd on that earlier list of the world's favourite sports.... there must be something to it.

Metta,Retro.

"When we transcend one level of truth, the new level becomes what is true for us. The previous one is now false. What one experiences may not be what is experienced by the world in general, but that may well be truer. (Ven. Nanananda)

“I hope, Anuruddha, that you are all living in concord, with mutual appreciation, without disputing, blending like milk and water, viewing each other with kindly eyes.” (MN 31)

TheDhamma wrote:Not sure who said it first, but it has been called, "sporadic violence in between numerous board meetings (huddles)."

Below are pictures of rugby union, which they call "the game played in heaven". It is called this because unlike Jesus, it is boring on Earth unlike it is imagined in Heaven.

The picture is of a ruck. In this rabble, the ball is raked for by the players feet, wearing spiked boots. However, more often than not, the players lose their sati-sampajanna and mistake the opposing player's heads for the ball.

If ever a game was based in upper class mob mentality of hoarding things as a group, it is rugby. One player holds the ball and the rest surround him as the overweight mob slowly plods its way up field.

Last edited by Element on Mon Feb 02, 2009 4:50 am, edited 3 times in total.

I can't appreciate any sport that doesn't involve some variety of tactics... and there's only one sport that really interest me, probably on account of the veritable multitude of tactics and that's cricket.

A game so seemingly boring to the uninstructed observer, yet it appears 2nd on that earlier list of the world's favourite sports.... there must be something to it.

Metta,Retro.

Football is all about tactics. Each play the team decides upon their plan. 1-2-3 hut hut hike! The plan is now executed, and you watch to see if it will succeed or fail. Sometimes truly spectacular and unexpected things happen, that's what makes it especially fun.

But its like going to a concert alone, if you are not with friends. Much more fun to watch in a large group, cause the group dynamics adds a whole nuther level to the experience.

Also carbonated beverages are good, add something.

"As Buddhists, we should aim to develop relationships that are not predominated by grasping and clinging. Our relationships should be characterised by the brahmaviharas of metta (loving kindness), mudita (sympathetic joy), karuna (compassion), and upekkha (equanimity)."~post by Ben, Jul 02, 2009

"It was one of the most thrilling finishes to the NFL title game, certainly equaling last year’s upset by the New York Giants that ended with Plaxico Burress’ TD catch—with 35 seconds left, too.

But this one was even wilder.

The Steelers (15-4), winning their second Super Bowl in four seasons, led 20-7 in the fourth quarter, only to see Kurt Warner and the Cardinals stage a remarkable rally to go in front 23-20 with 2:37 remaining.

Warner hit All-Pro receiver Larry Fitzgerald in stride for a 64-yard touchdown with 2:37 left. Already owning a slew of postseason receiving marks this year, Fitzgerald sped down the middle of the field, watching himself outrun the Steelers on the huge video screen.

Fitzgerald could only watch from the sideline as Roethlisberger engineered a 78-yard drive to win it in what resembled Heinz Field South. With waves of twirling Terrible Towels turning Raymond James Stadium into a black-and-gold tableau—Steelers fans supporting their beloved team, the economy be damned— Pittsburgh’s offense rescued the title.

Holmes was selected the game’s MVP."

Last edited by christopher::: on Mon Feb 02, 2009 4:58 am, edited 1 time in total.

"As Buddhists, we should aim to develop relationships that are not predominated by grasping and clinging. Our relationships should be characterised by the brahmaviharas of metta (loving kindness), mudita (sympathetic joy), karuna (compassion), and upekkha (equanimity)."~post by Ben, Jul 02, 2009

"When we transcend one level of truth, the new level becomes what is true for us. The previous one is now false. What one experiences may not be what is experienced by the world in general, but that may well be truer. (Ven. Nanananda)

“I hope, Anuruddha, that you are all living in concord, with mutual appreciation, without disputing, blending like milk and water, viewing each other with kindly eyes.” (MN 31)

I would propose a typical Melbournist. More of his mullet Melbourne mates below.

Warwick Capper was born in Victoria. He began playing football for the Oakleigh Youth Club in Victoria, winning the under 11 best and fairest in 1974 playing in the same team as David Rhys Jones. It wasn't long before Capper began to attract the attention of talent scouts and recruited by the Sydney Swans.

Hi Dhammanando, Exactly, plus it is the sport of gentlemen not hooligans, or want to be Tacticians

Dhammanando wrote:

Manapa wrote:NFL is world wide for sure and not just big in america

Quite so. NFL is the USA's most unexportable commodity. The only way anyone can find it entertaining is if they've been brainwashed into believing so at a very young age (reminiscent of that supposed Jesuit saying: "If we get them by the age of six, they're ours for life"). Anyone not thus brainwashed (i.e. anyone born outside of the US) will find the game either laughable (with its refrigerator-fetish costumes etc.) or else boring to tears (chiefly due to the lack of fluid play and continual breaks).

By contrast, with rugby —and especially rugby union— no childhood exposure is needed. The sport is so intrinsically thrilling that even middle-aged or elderly people, upon seeing a game for the first time become immediate addicts (with the one sad exception of those whose sense of discrimination has been perverted by childhood exposure to NFL).

Best wishes,Dhammanando Bhikkhu

This offering maybe right, or wrong, but it is one, the other, both, or neither!Blog,-Some Suttas Translated,Ajahn Chah."Others will misconstrue reality due to their personal perspectives, doggedly holding onto and not easily discarding them; We shall not misconstrue reality due to our own personal perspectives, nor doggedly holding onto them, but will discard them easily. This effacement shall be done."

Ah, now they look like real Victorian footballers (well, before Dermott Brereton moved to Sydney as well and started to wear those ridiculous green boots).

Here's some modern day Victorian footballers...

Metta,Retro.

"When we transcend one level of truth, the new level becomes what is true for us. The previous one is now false. What one experiences may not be what is experienced by the world in general, but that may well be truer. (Ven. Nanananda)

“I hope, Anuruddha, that you are all living in concord, with mutual appreciation, without disputing, blending like milk and water, viewing each other with kindly eyes.” (MN 31)

Hooligans haha. The sport of gentleman? Haha. What a great game last night! Awesome! Its a shame some here missed a great game. I respect rugby its just not my cup of tea. And as for the brainwashing quote it sounds as if some here have been brainwashed with rugby because no one here in america can see how its entertaining. Hey it goes both ways! And heres a link for anyone who says theres no tactic's in football. Go raiders!!!

Last edited by bodom on Mon Feb 02, 2009 3:28 pm, edited 3 times in total.

The heart of the path is SO simple. No need for long explanations. Give up clinging to love and hate, just rest with things as they are. That is all I do in my own practice. Do not try to become anything. Do not make yourself into anything. Do not be a meditator. Do not become enlightened. When you sit, let it be. When you walk, let it be. Grasp at nothing. Resist nothing. Of course, there are dozens of meditation techniques to develop samadhi and many kinds of vipassana. But it all comes back to this - just let it all be. Step over here where it is cool, out of the battle. - Ajahn Chah

TheDhamma wrote:Not sure who said it first, but it has been called, "sporadic violence in between numerous board meetings (huddles)."

Below are pictures of rugby union, which they call "the game played in heaven". It is called this because unlike Jesus, it is boring on Earth unlike it is imagined in Heaven.

The picture is of a ruck. In this rabble, the ball is raked for by the players feet, wearing spiked boots. However, more often than not, the players lose their sati-sampajanna and mistake the opposing player's heads for the ball.

If ever a game was based in upper class mob mentality of hoarding things as a group, it is rugby. One player holds the ball and the rest surround him as the overweight mob slowly plods its way up field.

Thank you element! Bunch of sweaty guys layin on each other! Haha!

Last edited by bodom on Mon Feb 02, 2009 2:42 pm, edited 1 time in total.

The heart of the path is SO simple. No need for long explanations. Give up clinging to love and hate, just rest with things as they are. That is all I do in my own practice. Do not try to become anything. Do not make yourself into anything. Do not be a meditator. Do not become enlightened. When you sit, let it be. When you walk, let it be. Grasp at nothing. Resist nothing. Of course, there are dozens of meditation techniques to develop samadhi and many kinds of vipassana. But it all comes back to this - just let it all be. Step over here where it is cool, out of the battle. - Ajahn Chah

lol i know brainwashed? lol. Seriously though brainwashed? Maybe i was i dont even care. Whoese to say rugby fans havent been brainwashed. I love football as much as the next guy loves rugby. Where do we draw the line?

The heart of the path is SO simple. No need for long explanations. Give up clinging to love and hate, just rest with things as they are. That is all I do in my own practice. Do not try to become anything. Do not make yourself into anything. Do not be a meditator. Do not become enlightened. When you sit, let it be. When you walk, let it be. Grasp at nothing. Resist nothing. Of course, there are dozens of meditation techniques to develop samadhi and many kinds of vipassana. But it all comes back to this - just let it all be. Step over here where it is cool, out of the battle. - Ajahn Chah